Greentecture: green architecture for the building of tomorrow
Architecture is not only about the construction of buildings, but also about building our future and influencing our quality of life. The conscious execution of architecture known as "Greentecture or green architecture" can reduce emissions and improve waste management, a problem that our society needs to address immediately.
In addition, it brings nature closer to the spaces we inhabit, thus improving our sense of well-being and harmony.
This urban trend understood as "a return to nature" is one of the macro-trends included in our Trends Book Inspiring Living for Tomorrow. Lifestyle Trends 2024 by Neolith, where you can also find other architectural trends that include the presence of nature in the creation of spaces.
What is green architecture?
Green architecture or Greentecture aims to be part of the solution and slow down climate change by increasing the number of green areas and constructing buildings that reduce the consumption of fossil energy, such as oil, gas, or coal.
It is a movement with principles and objectives, which can disruptively transform our environment and way of life, prioritizing the following aspects:
01. Commits to water saving
Rainwater harvesting and reuse systems, as well as efficient plumbing and irrigation devices, are implemented to reduce drinkable water consumption.
02. Promotes energy efficiency
To reduce energy consumption, it prioritizes building orientation, the use of thermal insulation and the incorporation of renewable energy technology, such as solar panels or geothermal energy systems.
03. Chooses sustainable materials for its construction
Green building materials are used, such as those containing recycled content or from renewable sources, and priority is given to reducing toxic emissions and waste during the construction and operation of buildings. The sintered stone applied to facades offers a multitude of advantages in terms of durability and energy efficiency, and is a very suitable option for green architecture.
04. Integrates diverse professionals to achieve environmental goals
It encourages collaboration between architects, urban planners, designers, engineers and other professionals to develop integrated solutions that optimize the environmental performance and efficiency of buildings and cities.
Noteworthy green architecture projects
In Inspiring Living for Tomorrow. Lifestyle Trends 2024, you can find various green architecture projects, as well as inspirational references.
The Self-Sufficient City
This is the winning proposal by Barcelona-based firm, Guallart Architects, to design the new Chinese city of Xiong'an. This new settlement concept, following Covid, aims to define a new standard of self-sufficient urban living that can be applied as a model in different cities around the world. Formally, it consists of a blend of traditional European blocks, contemporary Chinese towers and the productive agricultural landscape. Its inhabitants can live, work, rest and produce energy and food resources for the community while remaining globally connected.
In addition to apartments and residences, offices, swimming pool, stores, market, daycare center, administrative center and fire station, each building will be covered by greenhouses that will allow daily harvesting of fruits and vegetables in structures under sloping roofs that store solar energy. Small workshops in each structure will incorporate a laboratory with 3D printers and rapid prototyping machines to design and manufacture small objects and utensils for everyday use. In addition to energy and food production, the project will integrate water recycling and materials reuse.
The Tree Path
It is an elevated cycling route that runs between trees, supported by two parallel rows of bushes that act as pillars. Located in the Italian countryside, this road project ends in Sabbioneta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explores sustainable mobility by blending the natural and the artificial. The Tree Path was designed by Carlo Ratti Associati together with Office for Living Architecture, a leading expert in Bau-botanik ("botanical construction" in German), a discipline that turns trees into constantly evolving architectural elements. The project foresees the planting of about 1,000 trees, whose growth will be a central element of the design process.
These will grow around a stainless steel railing, building and transforming the road structure over several years, rising up to six meters off the ground, negotiating traffic and waterways. The trail incorporates digital sensors to measure everything, from air pollution to the health and growth of individual plants, in a computerized database that will bring the vision of an "Internet of Trees” to life.
At Neolith we are committed to green architecture
We work every day to offer increasingly sustainable design and innovative solutions and provide materials that build a better world.
Sustainability is an objective in our production system
At Neolith, we use state-of-the-art technologies and eco-efficient manufacturing practices. We try to minimize water and energy consumption, as well as waste generation. In addition, our collections are composed of natural and recyclable materials, thus collaborating with the circular economy.
We are endorsed by environmental certifications
Environmental certifications support our commitment to sustainability. Our recently obtained Zero Waste certification confirms that up to 96% of our waste is recycled or reused, positioning us as an excellent performer in terms of waste management and thus strengthening the circular economy. In addition, we have also received the prestigious EcoVadis Gold recognition for our corporate policies, initiatives and business achievements in environmental issues, labor practices and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
You can find more information about our certifications at the following link
Our surfaces promote energy efficiency in buildings
Neolith sintered stone offers great benefits when applied to facades. Our surfaces are resistant to UV rays and help reduce the thermal load in interior spaces, creating comfort inside the building by preventing excessive heating.
Moreover, as they are heat resistant, they can be used in ventilated facade systems that improve the insulation and energy performance of buildings.
They also facilitate air circulation by allowing the diffusion of water vapor from the inside to the outside, which facilitates the "breathing" of the facade, preventing condensation behind the panels.
Neolith collections are built to last
Offering resistant and durable materials undoubtedly favors sustainability in construction. Our architectural surfaces are UV, heat, chemical and wear resistant, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
They can be used in various applications such as claddings, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, or terraces, also favouring cohesion between different spaces in the same building.
In Neolith Fusion collection we can find very versatile designs that can dress up spaces providing organic and sophisticated references.
